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Clean Energy Career Fair Showcases Nevada’s Growing Industry and Job Opportunities

Rep. Horsford joined climate groups and career specialists to recognize Nevada’s leadership in the clean energy industry.
April 25, 2024

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North Las Vegas, NV — Tuesday, April 23rd, Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-4) joined the Nevada Conservation League, For Our Future NV, Climate Power, EmployNV Business Hub, Nevada Clean Energy Fund, and 18 employers for a clean energy career fair. Amidst the backdrop of historic federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Nevada’s burgeoning clean energy landscape, this event connected job seekers with industry leaders and highlighted diverse and rewarding pathways available in the clean energy economy. A list of participating employers can be found below.

“I am proud to have voted for and supported the Inflation Reduction Act and am making sure it gets implemented to bring clean energy jobs to Nevada, to accelerate the clean energy jobs boom while lowering costs for families, investing in all of our communities, and reducing climate pollution across the state,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “The clean energy sector is all about including us — women, communities of color, those who are in unions and those who are not. That’s why we’re here at the College of Southern Nevada, to make sure that communities that are typically left out or ignored are the ones we are intentionally engaging in this process. Environmental justice matters.”

“An affordable clean energy boom is happening here in Nevada, and it’s happening now. After decades of factory closures and job loss, construction spending for manufacturing in the U.S. has reached its highest level in 60 years,” said Kristee Watson, Nevada Conservation League Executive Director. “We’re moving from the pollution-ridden, high-cost energy of the past to clean, affordable energy like solar and wind power that’s made right here at home and never runs out. That means less pollution in the air and water, fewer health problems like asthma, and fewer extreme weather events. The United States is on track to lower emissions beyond what was even thought possible just a year ago, and wind and solar keep getting cheaper and more accessible.”   

“We passed one of the one of the greatest programs that are out there, the IRA. This administration is providing us an opportunity to put solar on your homes and receive a tax credit up to 30% from the Inflation Reduction Act for it,” said Michael Sweet, Sol-Up Director of Sales. “As a result of the IRA and the tax credits, an estimated 75,000 additional homes here in Nevada will have the opportunity to install rooftop solar. That’s a lot of homes. Big Oil is doing nothing but gouging us… It’s time for us to get in a place where we don’t have to depend upon what Big Oil is doing for us.”

“The College of Southern Nevada received a $1.9 million grant from the Biden administration to help train job seekers in advanced manufacturing, information technology, professional scientific and technology jobs, as well as renewable energy jobs,” said Dr. Jonathan Wright, College of Southern Nevada Director of Career Services. “So here at the College of Southern Nevada, we are invested in the clean energy sector. We are an active part of the renewable energy revolution, and we are excited to be a part of continued work.”

“We connect employers and job seekers and make workforce dreams a reality,” said Marchele Sneed, EmployNV Employment Security Division Manager. “Whether you’re looking for work, changing jobs, exploring career opportunities like clean energy, or you’re just seeking to find out what’s out there, our employee career hubs are here to help.”

“The amazing turnout at this career fair demonstrates there is enormous pent-up energy for climate action among younger generations, and President Biden’s Clean Energy Plan is expanding opportunities for them,” said Jarrett Clark, For Our Future Nevada Communications Director. “These clean energy investments and the jobs being created by them are truly unleashing American energy. We don’t have to choose between a healthy economy and a healthy planet. We don’t have to choose between environmentally friendly policies and good-paying jobs. We can have both!”

“The Clean Energy Plan includes hundreds of billions of federal funds that support clean energy through things like tax credits, rebates, grant programs like Solar for All and others,” said Will Pregman, Program Manager, Nevada Clean Energy Fund. “We’re honored to be the recipient of a $156 million Solar for All grant. This landmark funding represents a significant achievement in our efforts to continue to drive clean energy, accessibility and sustainability across Nevada, especially for low-income or historically underserved communities.”

So far, President Biden’s Clean Energy Plan has created or advanced more than 15,000 clean energy jobs in Nevada and spurred more than $12 billion in investment. This includes jobs in renewable electricity generation, energy storage, energy efficiency, and clean vehicles, many of which don’t require a college degree. As the largest U.S. investment in clean energy and climate in history, the clean energy plan will continue to reshape and recharge our economy for many decades to come.

List of participating employers and vendors: 

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